Bill > HR4879

This bill amends two existing laws to expand emergency water assistance capabilities for rural communities. First, it modifies the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to broaden the uses of emergency community water assistance grants, now allowing funds to be used for water resources infrastructure like potable water, wastewater, storm drainage, and solid waste facilities. Additionally, the bill increases the population threshold for grant eligibility from 10,000 to 35,000 residents, which means more rural communities can now qualify for these emergency grants. Secondly, the bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to create a temporary permit exemption for portable water treatment and filtration facilities during state-declared disasters. Specifically, during the six months following a disaster declaration, these portable facilities can be deployed to provide clean water without needing to obtain federal or state discharge permits, which will help expedite emergency water response efforts in affected areas. The overall goal of the bill is to improve rural communities' ability to respond quickly and effectively to water-related emergencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4879/all-info